April 11 - 21, 2011
These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy!
April 11, 2011
Richard Berry, who originally wrote and recorded "Louie Louie," would have been 84.
Guitarist Robert Fripp of King Crimson is 64.
On this day in 1956, James Brown debuted on the R&B charts with "Please, Please, Please."
On this day in 1961, Bob Dylan played his first professional gig. Gerde's Folk City in New York's Greenwich Village was the place, and "Blowin' in the Wind" was the highlight tune.
On this day in 1967, Paul McCartney came up with the idea for The Beatles' film "Magical Mystery Tour" after visiting The Beach Boys during sessions for the album "Smile." Unfortunately, with Beatles' manager Brian Epstein having died from an overdose recently, there was no one around to tell Paul that the film was a lousy idea.
On this day in 1970, as The Beatles disintegrated, their single "Let It Be" hit #1.
On this day in 1970, guitarist Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac announced his departure from the original line-up in order to follow his religious beliefs.
On this day in 1981, "Don't Stand So Close To Me" by The Police peaked at #10.
On this day in 1992, "I Can't Dance" by Genesis peaked at #7 on the charts.
The Biggest Tour Ever
Until yesterday, The Rolling Stones owned the record for highest-grossing tour of all time (over $558 million) with their 2005-2007 "A Bigger Bang" tour. But — as of yesterday's "360°" tour gig in Sao Paulo, Brazil — U2 have now officially broken that bucks-up record. The "360°" tour, which is still going strong after beginning in 2009 in Barcelona, is expected to have grossed over $700 million before it ends in late July. So far, each U2 tour date has grossed about $6.4 million, with the band playing to an average crowd of 63,600 in more than 30 countries. But will they keep the giant "360°" stage going with the release of their next album??
Not So Private Anymore
You just knew this was going to happen — edited versions of John Lennon's personal correspondences will be released next year as "The Lennon Letters." Occasionally acclaimed Beatles biographer Hunter Davies is working through the late music legend's written communications to organize John's correspondences in chronological order. Davies adds that he hopes the final book will "establish a narrative reflecting John's life." The release is targeted for Lennon's 72nd birthday in October 2012.
Ozzy Plans His Funeral
Perhaps it was the $1.7 million the IRS wants in back taxes that caused Ozzy Osbourne to get all mopey and start thinking about his ultimate demise. In his weekly health column in the London "Sunday Times" magazine last week, the Prince Of Darkness declared, "I don't care what they play at my funeral; they can put on a medley of Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle and We Are The Diddymen if it makes 'em happy — but I do want to make sure it's a celebration, not a mope-fest... I'd also like some pranks, maybe the sound of knocking inside the coffin, or a video of me asking my doctor for a second opinion on his diagnosis of 'death'." He summed it up by saying, "There'll be no harping on the bad times... I don't want my funeral to be sad. I want it to be a time to say 'thanks.'"
It was Dorothy Parker who said: "Brevity is the soul of lingerie."
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "It is terrible to contemplate how few politicians are hanged."
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."
Check out Joe's interviews with Miss Sprint Cup as well as NASCAR drivers A.J. Allmendinger and Clint Bowyer!
April 12, 2011
Steppenwolf's head guy, John Kay is 67.
David Letterman turns a cranky 64.
Guitarist Pat Travers is 57.
On this day in 1972, The Rolling Stones released "Exile On Main Street" — considered by many to be their finest album.
On this day in 1982, John Mellencamp released his "American Fool" album under the name John Cougar. The album was a huge success, enabling John to drop the "Cougar" name as soon as his recording contract ran out.
Kinks Again (Maybe)
How many times have we heard about frontman Ray Davies and his brother/guitarist Dave Davies reuniting (or not) The Kinks in the last 15 years? Now Ray says, "I'm seeing Dave next week. I hear that Dave is saying stuff in the press like, 'I'll do it, but Ray doesn't want to do it.' This is me saying, 'Ray will do it if Dave does it.'" If both of the infamously battling brothers finally on the same page, then a reunion with drummer Mick Avory should be imminent (bassist Peter Quaife passed away last June). Dave Davies, who has reportedly fully recovered from his stroke, recently said "A reunion is possible. There's nothing in the pipeline yet, but... we'll see. It's possible." Let's hope so!
Covering Macca (With His Band)
It's official: Paul McCartney is making a new album featuring covers of his own solo material and Wings songs done by artists he hand-picked. So far we know that KISS, The Cure, B.B. King, Bad Company's Paul Rodgers, Billy Joel and Garth Brooks have all recorded with Macca's touring band. Stay tuned for more info!
First Beatles Contract For Sale
The first contract ever signed by The Beatles — a document not previously known to exist — will be auctioned at London's Theater Royal on Thursday. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and original drummer Pete Best all signed the one year deal with famed German producer Bert Kaempfert in June 1961 while they were performing club dates in Hamburg. The seven-page contract (written in German) is expected to fetch at least $81,000.
It was Mark Twain who said: "Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer."
It was Marty Indik who said: "Half of analysis is anal."
It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it."
Grand Prix
This weekend! Of course he'll be there! Everyone knows that Joe Benson has been part of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach every April since 1986. So don't be surprised to hear him on the P.A. or find him doing Meet & Greets at the KLOS Cool Patrol booth this weekend. He's always part of the most exciting party on the streets of Long Beach! Here are a few photos from the past.
April 13, 2011
Bassist Jack Casady of the Jefferson Airplane is 67.
Lowell George, the crazy musical genius behind Little Feat, would have been 66.
"Mighty Max" Weinberg, The E Street Band's drummer, is 60.
On this day in 1963, The Kingsmen recorded "Louie Louie" — the ultimate Rock & Roll song. They used one microphone hanging from the ceiling and, besides being very shaky on the correct lyrics, the singer had a real bad sore throat. The result was a true classic!
On this day in 1964, The Beatles announced that their first film would be called "A Hard Day's Night."
On this day in 1966, The Beatles recorded the backing tracks for "Paperback Writer." They added the vocals the next day.
On this day in 1974, Elton John's "Bennie And The Jets" hit #1 on the singles chart just as he released "Daniel" as a single. That was some management decision!
On this day in 2005, pioneering rock pianist Johnnie Johnson died in his sleep at the age of 80 in his St. Louis home. Not only did the legendary musician help Chuck Berry get his start in the early 1950s, he was the main inspiration for the song "Johnny B. Goode."
Astrolung?
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first manned space flight, American astronaut Catherine "Cady" Coleman duetted with Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson yesterday as she was orbiting Earth on the International Space Station. But the pair's flute duet on Tull's 1969 version of Johann Sebastian Bach's instrumental "Bouree" wasn't easy to pull off. Considering that there is a four-second delay in trying to talk with someone from the space station, playing music together was a bit tricky. Ultimately, Ian played his part from a Tull tour stop in Perm, Russia as Cady (and her wild hair!) floated weightlessly many miles above. Check it out!
Oprah's Rock Goddesses
Today's episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show will focus on what she calls the "Rock Goddesses" of the Seventies and Eighties. Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett and Pat Benatar will be joined by Salt N' Pepa and Sister Sledge. Rock on!
Piffled
Not that anybody you or I know was worried about David Bowie and Mick Jagger collaborating on a Rock & Roll comedy film, but the Brit tabloid press has been off and running with the idea lately. The rumor mongering caused enough of a stir that Bowie felt obliged to issue an official comment on the subject over the weekend. "Piffle" is what he said. Not poppycock, balderdash, drivel, twaddle or piddle, but "Piffle." 'Nuff said, say we!
Syd's Portrait Returned
Last Saturday, a self-portrait of the late Pink Floyd singer Syd Barrett was stolen from the "Syd Barrett Arts & Letters Exhibition" at a London art gallery. Syd created the spacey portrait just before forming The Pink Floyd Sound in the mid-Sixties, and later gave it to his girlfriend, Libby Gausden. This exhibition marked the first time she'd loaned the picture out since his death in 2006. After Libby's heartbroken plea for the portrait's return blanketed the Brit media, the thief returned it by mail with no apparent damage.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."
It was Sally Berger who said: "The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
It was Robert Paul who said: "Always be wary of the Software Engineer who carries a screwdriver."
April 14, 2011
One-time guitar god Ritchie Blackmore, of Deep Purple and Rainbow fame, is 66.
On this day in 1963, The Beatles first met The Rolling Stones after The Stones' first set of the night at the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond, England. Keith Richard's first impression? He was blown away by The Beatles' long black leather coats. George Harrison's first impression? He was impressed by the unsigned Stones' rowdy performance.
On this day in 1965, The Beatles announced that they had changed the title of their second film from "Eight Arms To Hold You" to "Help!"
On this day in 1969, Paul McCartney and John Lennon recorded The Beatles song "The Ballad Of John And Yoko" all by themselves (the other two Fabs just weren't around).
On this day in 1972, The Rolling Stones released the single "Tumblin' Dice" from the "Exile On Main Street" album.
On this day in 1979, Van Halen's "Van Halen II" blasted onto the album charts.
On this day in 1983, bassist Pete Farndon of The Pretenders, who had just been fired from the band because of his drug problem, died of an overdose at the age of 29.
On this day in 1987, Fleetwood Mac released their "Tango In The Night" album.
On this day in 1989, Tom Petty released his first solo project, "Full Moon Fever."
Russell To Rock (Of Ages)
The big screen version of Broadway's "Rock Of Ages" musical has added Russell Brand to fill the role of Lonny, the club manager who is "Rock's" narrator. Russell joins a cast that includes Oscar-nominees Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin and Paul Giamatti. The show features classic rock hits from the Eighties from folks like Styx, Asia, Pat Benatar and Twisted Sister.
Punks & Hanks
Following a successful run on Broadway, Green Day's "American Idiot" musical appears to be headed for the big screen. Word is that Michael Mayer, the director of the stage production, is currently adapting the show into a movie. Oscar-winning writer Dustin Lance Black is in talks to write the screenplay, and Tom Hanks is in place to serve as a producer along with the members of Green Day.
Handwritten Lucy Lyrics
John Lennon's handwritten lyrics to his classic Beatles song "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" will be auctioned off on May 15th. Lennon's draft contains the opening lyrics to the song that was inspired by one of his son Julian's nursery school drawings as well as some of John's designs for the cover of the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album. The Profiles in History auction house in Los Angeles expects his handy work to fetch up to $300,000.
Misunderstanding Leads To Reunion
Everything happens for a reason. Turns out that Soundgarden only decided to reform after their fans mistook a message on Twitter as a reunion announcement. Early last year frontman Chris Cornell kicked it off when he Tweeted, "The 12 year break is over and school is back in session. Knights of the Soundtable ride again!" While that led fans to believe the band was back together, Cornell was only announcing the resurrection of their fanclub. But the fan response was so overwhelming, guitarist Kim Thayil says the band felt they had to regroup. He said that even "My mother called and said, 'We've heard the news, why didn't you tell us?'" Wonder what message they'll Tweet when the new album and tour are ready to be announced?
It was Mae West who said: "Give a man a free hand and he'll run it all over you."
It was Victor Borge who said: "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people."
It was Fulton Oursler who said: "Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves — regret for the past and fear of the future."
April 15, 2011
Guitarist Dave Edmunds is 67.
Mike Chapman, who co-wrote glam anthems like Sweet's "Ballroom Blitz" with Nicky Chinn, and produced Blondie, The Knack and Pat Benatar, is 64.
On this day in 1966, Buffalo Springfield performed for the first time in public when they opened for the Byrds in San Bernardino. Little did anyone know that two years down the road Buffalo Springfield's Stephen Stills and Neil Young would join up with the Byrds' David Crosby in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
On this day in 1971, The Beatles won the Best Film Music (Original Song Score) Academy Award for their film "Let It Be."
On this day in 1972, "Roundabout" by Yes peaked at #13 and Led Zeppelin's "Rock And Roll" topped out at #47 on the charts.
On this day in 1978, Kansas' "Dust In The Wind" peaked at #6 on the singles charts.
This weekend, over 90 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Sammy Hagar and Van Halen along with Joe's brand new conversation with the singer. Here's the promo! Stream on!
Soundgarden To The Stage
Good news for us! While on a short break from working on new music in the studio, the recently reunited Soundgarden has unexpectedly announced a month-long North American tour. They'll be doing a rocking July 22nd blow-out at The Forum! Meanwhile, for some unknown reason, singer Chris Cornell just hit the road for his very first "Songbook" acoustic tour. Maybe it's a cashflow situation...
Scorsese's Harrison Film
The life of late Beatle lead guitarist George Harrison will be featured in a new documentary and a photo biography called, "Living In The Material World: George Harrison." At last year's Cannes Film Festival, famed director Martin Scorsese said that he was a few years into his research for a movie to tell Harrison's story from his days as a boy in Liverpool through his work as a film producer and a member of The Traveling Wilburys. Now the movie "Living The The Material World: George Harrison" is on track for release later this year. The photo biography of the same name is expected to make its debut around the same time. George's widow, Olivia Harrison, is providing never-before-seen pictures for the book and Scorsese will pen the project's foreword.
But Can He Sing?
Revered for his role as Captain James T. Kirk on "Star Trek," William Shatner will be presented with the Honorary Headbanger Award at next Wednesday's Revolver Golden Gods Award Show at Club Nokia. But wait — there's more! Later this year, Shatner will release his new album, "Searching For Major Tom." In addition to the actor's attempts at song vocalization, his LP will feature collaborations with legendary musicians like Ritchie Blackmore, Warren Haynes of The Allman Brothers Band, Peter Frampton and Brad Paisley on guitar, Alice in Chains bassist Mike Inez, and drummers Carmine Appice and Ian Paice of Deep Purple.
AC/DC's Theater Of The Loud
AC/DC will premier their new live DVD at London's Hammersmith Apollo Theater on May 6th. "Live At River Plate" was shot with 32 HD cameras at the group's three sold-out Buenos Aires shows in December 2009. Besides using a massive PA system to deafen movie goers, the screening will use the U.K.'s largest movie screen, which is roughly the size of four stacked double-decker buses.
R.I.P. Roger
Roger Nichols, the amazing recording engineer responsible for Steely Dan's stunning sound quality, died Saturday at his Burbank home after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 66. A brilliant technician, Nichols had first gone into nuclear engineering (including development of the San Onofre nuclear reactor), but he was so dissatisfied with the sound of the records he bought that he took a job at ABC/Dunhill Records with the goal of improving the quality of records. Soon he was hailed as one of the few engineering artists, and his work with the Dan earned him six of his seven GRAMMY Awards. Rest in peace (with crystal clear clarity) music man.
It was Henry Brooks Adams who said: "A friend in power is a friend lost."
It was Will Smith who said: "Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like."
It was Steven Wright who said: "Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time."
April 16, 2011
Foghat singer/guitarist "Lonesome Dave" Peverett would have been 68.
Gerry Rafferty of Stealer's Wheel and "Baker Street" fame would have been 64.
On this day in 1947, the first zoom lens was demonstrated to the public. (Would Rock & Roll be the same without it?)
On this day in 1972, the Electric Light Orchestra played their first live show. As Jeff Lynne told me, it was just barely so-so.
On this day in 1973, Queen played their first U.S. concert at Regis College in Denver. No one had a clue of what to make of them.
On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac released "Dreams," which soon became their first #1 hit.
April 17, 2011
On this day in 1960, Rock & Roll pioneer Eddie Cochran was killed and Gene Vincent was seriously injured in a London car crash.
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones released their debut album in the States, and the Ford Motor Company unveiled the first Mustang. Fortunately, both are still with us.
On this day in 1972, Keith Richards became a father to a little girl when Anita Pallenberg gave birth to their daughter, Dandelion.
On this day in 1982, Stevie Nicks' "Edge Of Seventeen" peaked at #11 as Van Halen's cover of "(Oh) Pretty Woman" topped out at #12 on the charts and Toto released "Rosanna."
On this day in 1998, Linda McCartney died of breast cancer at the age of 56.
On this day in 2008, keyboardist Danny Federici of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band lost his three-year battle with melanoma at the age of 58.
April 18, 2011
The Doors/Janis Joplin producer Paul Rothchild would have been 76 today.
On this day in 1970, "The Letter" by Joe Cocker entered the charts as Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" peaked at #3 and Badfinger's "Come and Get It" topped out at #7 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1981, after recording 11 albums in 13 years, Yes announced they were splitting up. Within two years, they re-formed for the hugely successful "90125" album and tour.
On this day in 1988, Eric Clapton's "Crossroads" box set was released. Its overwhelming commercial and artistic success paved the way for many other artists' compilations — most of which were extremely inferior.
Anticipating The Billboard Awards
Of the many artists participating in this year's "Billboard Music Awards," only one band is Irish, and they happen to be in the midst of the biggest, most successful tour in the history of the world (grossing a mere $700 million or so). Still, it's hard to predict the outcome of this year's awards considering that U2, Bon Jovi, Roger Waters, Michael Buble and Lady Gaga will be squaring off in the Top Touring Artist category. And U2 and Bon Jovi are also competing in the Top Duo/Group category against Lady Gaga, Rihanna, the Black Keys, Linkin Park, Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Eminem, Drake and Usher. We'll just have to see who is really smiling during the live ABC broadcast from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 22nd.
The Original Cooper (Holographically)
Original Alice Cooper band members Alice Cooper, bassist Dennis Dunaway, drummer Neal Smith and guitarist Michael Bruce, plus guitar ace Steve Hunter filling in for the late Glen Buxton, will be rocking the Jägermeister Ice Cold Event on May 11th at London's Battersea Power Station. The Hall Of Famers' first appearance in the U.K. since 1972 is being billed as rock's first-ever holographic performance — which means they may actually be performing on a sound stage in Burbank or Phoenix or Dubuque. The event itself is timed to celebrate the release of the band's "Old School: 1964-1974" box set.
Choose Crue's Setlist
Motley Crue have decided to let the fans choose the band's setlist for this Summer's 30th anniversary tour. You can start voting today at http://Motley.com. The boys will play the Bamboozle Festival in New Jersey on May 1st before hitting South America for a series of dates. As the ever eloquent Nikki Sixx said, "You wanted it, you got it, f**kers." They'll be hitting the Hollywood Bowl on June 14th, so choose their setlist wisely!
Airing Neil's Tribute
Last year's MusiCares tribute to Neil Young has been mastered for broadcast on various MTV Networks on Memorial Day weekend, followed by a May 31st DVD and Blu-ray release. Among those featured in the show were Crosby, Stills & Nash, Sir Elton John, Dave Matthews, James Taylor, John Fogerty and Jackson Browne. The MusiCares Person Of The Year tribute honors a recording artist for his or her musical and humanitarian contributions. Proceeds from the various MusiCares projects ensure that musicians have a place to turn to in times of need. Rock on!
It was Coach Vince Lombardi who said: "If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm."
It was Dolly Parton who said: "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
It was J. K. Rowling who said: "If you want to see the true measure of a man, watch how he treats his inferiors, not his equals."
Tax Time Again
It's THAT time of the year again. Don't forget to pay your taxes... 12 million illegal aliens are depending on you!
Taxing Factoids
On February 25, 1913 the 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, providing for an income tax. Here's the short form on taxing factoids.
#1. Americans pay over $30,000 in federal, state and local taxes every second of every day.
#2. In a lifetime, the average American files 42 income tax returns and spends 464 hours preparing those forms. The average American earns $1,235,720 in his lifetime, and of this sum pays $178,364 in taxes.
#3. The number of unclaimed tax refunds that are being held by the I.R.S.: 96,000. The amount of money that is waiting to be refunded: $62 million.
#4. The official manual of the Internal Revenue Service has been hailed as "the world's most confusing publication" — it is 38,000 pages long.
#5. In 1820, the state of Missouri levied a one-dollar tax on bachelors from ages 21 to 50 because they didn't have a wife.
#6. The sovereign countries with the lowest income tax in the world are Bahrain and Qatar. No matter what one's income is, it's not taxable. (It's nice to have all that oil in the ground, isn't it?)
April 19, 2011
On this day in 1968, John Lennon, George Harrison and their wives left the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh, India two weeks before their study was complete. Fellow Beatles Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney had actually split several days earlier.
On this day in 1969, Steppenwolf's "Rock Me" peaked at #10 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1974, guitarist Ron Wood played his first live show with The Rolling Stones.
On this day in 1975, Elton John fired his longtime bassist, Dee Murray, and drummer, Nigel Olsson, the day before his album "Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy" was released. A few years later, after he cleared his head, Sir Diva rehired the boys.
On this day in 1980, Van Halen's third album, "Women & Children First," blasted onto the charts.
On this day in 1980, Brian Johnson replaced the late Bon Scott as AC/DC's lead singer. Within two weeks, the band was recording their classic "Back In Black" album.
On this day in 1980, the Eagles' "I Can't Tell You Why" peaked at #8 on the singles chart.
U2 Join A Cover Band
How does one relax if you're in the midst of the two-year long, highest grossing tour ever? If you're U2, you might hit a small bar with your opening act, the legendary Muse. Word is that Bono and Larry Mullen Jr., along with Muse drummer Dom Howard, took the stage at Bar Secreto in Sao Paulo after finishing the South American leg of their 360° Tour last week. After they covered the Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer," The Edge joined in on vocals for covers of David Bowie's "Let's Dance" and The Rolling Stones' "Miss You." The audience was stunned, to say the least.
Queen Drives Brit Army
Queen's operatic 1975 anthem "Bohemian Rhapsody" topped the recent British Forces Broadcasting Service poll as the favorite song of the British Army. Queen drummer Roger Taylor says, "It's fantastic... it makes me feel very, very proud. I'd like to wish all the forces the very best — and especially to those who voted for 'Bohemian Rhapsody' — from the very bottom of our hearts." "BoHo Rhap" topped off the list of 500 favorites with double the votes claimed by the runner-up, Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars." Bryan Adams' "Summer Of '69," Guns N' Roses's "Sweet Child Of Mine" and Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" came in at #5 through #7, while Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" hit #9.
Montreux Again
Remember how Deep Purple's classic "Smoke On The Water" documented their recording session interrupted by a fire at the Montreux Casino Theater? The band will return to the scene of the event when they close this year's Montreux Jazz Festival on July 16th — just a few weeks after they play at our Greek Theatre with a 30-piece orchestra. Sting and Santana (neither of whom ever burned down any buildings) will headline earlier during the two-week legendary Swiss Festival.
It was Mae West who said: "When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before."
It was Thomas A. Edison who said: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution."
Five Quickies
1. A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.
2. A 'jiffy' is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.
3. Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
4. In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.
5. An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. (Bet you work with someone like that too!)
April 20, 2011
Keyboardist Craig Frost, who worked with Grand Funk Railroad and Bob Seger, is 63.
On this day in 1965, Eric Clapton joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.
On this day in 1968, Deep Purple played their first concert ever. Denmark was the place, "Deaf in Denmark" was the result.
On this day in 1991, Small Faces/Humble Pie singer/guitarist Steve Marriott died in a fire at his home in London. He was just 44.
This weekend, over 90 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of The Doors as well as Uncle Joe's extensive conversation with drummer John Densmore, guitarist Robby Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and engineer/producer Bruce Botnick. Here's the promo! Stream on!
Returning To Sin City
Elton John is launching a new three-year residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. His new show, "The Million Dollar Piano," will debut at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on September 28th. Although it seems like only yesterday, it was back in 2005 that Sir Elty completed his five-year run with "The Red Piano" show at Caesars.
Nikki's Take On Aging
Motley Crue bass player Nikki Sixx says he perceives beauty differently these days, and now he really feels that The Rolling Stones are actually "aging gracefully" based on their acceptance of getting older. He says, "They are falling apart at the seams right before our eyes and they are doing it gracefully. And that's the most beautiful thing that we can do." Of course he's also promoting "This Is Gonna Hurt," his photo book that includes stark imagery of skewed beauty and ugliness — kind of like The Rolling Stones.
Neil Again
If you're a long time Neil Young fan, then perhaps you can hear yourself cheering on his new live album, "A Treasure." The collection, which contains a song he performed in his October 22, 1984 Universal Amphitheatre gig, is set for a June 14th release. It was recorded during his Country-flavored 1984 and 1985 tours with his International Harvesters band.
It was Ricky Lee Jones who said: "You never know when you're making a memory."
It was Kin Hubbard who said: "Flattery won't hurt you if you don't swallow it."
It was Lady Dorothy Neville who said: "The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."
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